Parenting is a journey filled with ups and downs, but it’s a journey that no one should have to navigate alone. At Beacon Family Services, we recognise the challenges that parents and caregivers face, especially when dealing with neurodivergent children or challenging, violent and aggressive behaviours.

That’s why we’re thrilled to announce the launch of our new initiative: The Parent Connect Project.

Parenting in today’s world can be isolating, particularly when faced with unique challenges. Whether it’s managing neurodiversity, navigating challenging behaviours, or adapting to new circumstances like those experienced by refugee families, the need for support and understanding is paramount.

We support parents and caregivers to:

• build confidence in their parenting,
• develop their network of support,
• improve their mental health and wellbeing, and
• improve family relationships

Thanks to the generous support of the Heart of England Community Fund, Inclusive Communities Fund, we’re extending our reach to provide specialised support through our Parent Connect Project.

Here’s how we’re making a difference:

We make a difference by linking you with ‘Local Support Groups’. 

Parenting challenges can feel overwhelming, but you’re not alone. Through the Parent Connect Project, we connect parents and caregivers in the West Midlands area with local support groups.

Parents we have supported tell us they are looking for listening and peer support to share their challenges, experiences together in a safe, non-biased or judgmental environment.

We work closely with groups to ensure that they offer a safe space to share experiences and build connections.

We empower understanding through ‘Parent/Carer Workshops’.

Parenting doesn’t come with a manual, especially when facing unique circumstances. Our workshops, facilitated by staff with lived experience, delve into understanding neurodiversity and managing challenging behaviours.  Read more here.

As a team of therapists, we also provide valuable insights into the importance of play and provide resources for family well-being.

We provide a virtual haven for sharing with ‘Online Support’.

In today’s digital age, support knows no boundaries. Connect with others using similar approaches by joining our closed and moderated Facebook group. Here, our team also share specialised resources tailored to your needs, offering support while you await professional guidance.

We help strengthen peer networks by offering coaching to ‘Support Groups’.

We recognise the vital role of peer support groups in fostering understanding and resilience.   Parents have often set these up  to connect with each another and build a peer support network to advocate and be the voice for those parents who are not capable to speak for themselves.  If you are organising a group we can provide workshops for parents, as well as training and coaching for you.  This will help to to build understanding and confidence to support parents and caregivers facing challenges effectively.

So, how can you access the Parent Connect Project and receive this support?

The Parent Connect Project services are provided free of charge for parents, caregivers, and groups. Your only task is to complete some impact questionnaires, helping us tailor our services to better meet your needs in the future.

For parents and caregivers interested in joining a support group, attending workshops, or accessing our online resources, simply fill out our short, ‘Parent Connect’ enquiry form and a member of the team will be in touch.

Parents can use Beacon Family Services online resources too to broaden their knowledge about their children’s challenges like:

	Facebook Parent Support Hub where parents share their experience and exchange information.
	Beacon Services Website where parents can read our blogs and download our App.
	lumin&us™ App which enables parents to understand their children’s emotions and reconnect.
	Beacon Family Services YouTube Channel to learn about Theraplay™️, and more.

Meet the Parent Connect team

Laila Mourad has worked with families receiving Theraplay, through Project Salam, for several years. Laila was a former secondary school teacher, and speaks three languages. She has worked and volunteered in different charities and organisations supporting families since settling in the UK.

 

Jo Whiting has a wealth of experience in social care and education settings working with children, parents and even pensioners. She has worked and volunteered for over 15 years with local community groups, helping to support and empower vulnerable groups and individuals. Her own lived experience of parenting two neurodivergent children has given her hard-won wisdom into how to help families with additional needs to thrive.

 

Al Coates MBE is a Social Worker, Practice Educator and an Advanced Non Violent Resistance Practitioner. He has co published several books on the issue of Childhood Challenging Violent & Aggressive Behaviour and trained parents/carers and professionals. Al is also a former foster carer an is a parent to six adopted children.